Culinary Lead - Mississippi State University

Proof Of The Pudding; Moss Point (MS); On-site; USD 2,066,000 - 3,444,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Daily meals per shift

On-the-job training

Advancement opportunities

Job summary

Proof of the Pudding is seeking an experienced Culinary Lead to head back-of-house operations for Mississippi State University events. The role focuses on premium game-day prep and execution, leading the culinary team and ensuring quality service.

You will coordinate orders, manage inventory, and develop menu items for on-site catering, with an emphasis on timely execution and staff development. This part-time position offers daily shift meals and opportunities for advancement.

Qualifications

• 2+ years leading culinary operations in catering or high-volume settings.
• Experience in a stadium/large venue is preferred.
• Ability to produce menu items consistently in high volume.
• Strong leadership with focus on team development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations for event prep and game days.
• Coordinate food and kitchenware orders.
• Assist with inventory and organizing storage areas.
• Develop menu items and game-day packages.
• Be onsite supervisor during food service times.
• Manage kitchen/pantry staff scheduling and training.
• Ensure all items meet recipe guidelines and service times.
• Assist with post-event tasks including inputting orders and inventory.

Skills

Leadership

Time management

Customer service

Communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job DetailsLevel: ExperiencedJob Location: Mississippi State University - Mississippi State, MS 39762Position Type: Part TimeEducation Level: High School Diploma/GEDTravel Percentage: Up to 25%Job Shift: DayJob Category: Restaurant - Food Service

Proof of the Pudding is an award-winning catering company throughout the Southeast with a commitment to creating quality culinary concepts from scratch. This standard was upheld through the expansion into Sports and Entertainment Hospitality Services by providing elevated concessions and premium offerings to collegiate stadiums, PGA golf tournaments, International Boat Shows, Professional Sports Teams, & more.

We are currently seeking an experienced Culinary Lead to join the team at Mississippi State University. POP provides food service to MSU’s athletic events and special events. This position will be a lead on the back of house culinary team focusing on the premium side for game/event day prep and execution.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day culinary operations for event preparations and game day events as scheduled.
• Assist with the coordinate of food and kitchenware orders.
• Assist with inventory and organization of storage areas and oversee checking in and putting away food orders.
• Assist in the development of menu items and game-day packages.
• Be an onsite supervisor during food service times.
• Managing time effectively to ensure all BEO/menu items are completed prior to service times and according to recipe guidelines.
• Managing the team that is scheduled in the kitchen or pantry areas.
• Assist with on the job training of new employees ensuring all staff are set up for success.
• Attending and executing each assigned event to ensure that it runs smoothly from the set-up to the break-down.
• Assisting in post-event tasks including inputting orders and inventory as directed.

Performs other related duties as needed.

QualificationsRequired Qualifications:

• 2+ years of experience in a lead culinary role with experience in catering or high volume.
• Experience in a stadium setting is preferred.
• Ability to produce menu items consistently and in high volume.
• Leadership qualities with a focus on team development

Specialized Qualifications:

• Excellent listening and communication skills
• Renowned time management and organization skills
• Strong Customer Service skills with the desire to go above and beyond a client’s needs
• The ability to work alone and as a team
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to learn and adapt quickly

Work Environment

The work environment for this position will be a variation of kitchen work and event operations and movement. This position will work with common kitchen and concessions equipment including but not limited to grills, ovens, and fryers.This position will often move throughout campus stadiums and travel throughout the university grounds. Events may take place in indoor or outdoor settings.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of standing, moving through an event space, and traveling from venue to venue
• Bending, lifting, scooping, and carrying miscellaneous equipment and food items
• Ability to perform physical tasks; such as but not limited to, lifting approximate 40 lbs.

CORE VALUE AND COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Business Acumen - Demonstrate comprehension of the job, including policies, practices, and relationships. Possess the expertise and skill levels required of the job and perform with quality.
• Dedication - Dependable, reliable and follows through on projects from inception to completion. Willing to put in as much time as necessary to complete tasks. Demonstrate a win‑win attitude: “see it, own it, solve it. ”
• Ethics and Integrity - Acts with integrity, honesty and knowledge that promote the company’s culture, values and beliefs while maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.
• Safety & Security - Observe safety and security standards. Use equipment and materials properly. Comply with safety standards and personal protective equipment requirements. Report potential unsafe conditions or practices to appropriate person immediately. Promote restaurant safety, cleanliness and security compliance at all times.
• Teamwork - Cooperate and be willing to work as a team player to achieve goals and tasks accurately, efficiently and timely.
• Communication - Communicate clearly and effectively with mutual respect, understanding and trust to fellow associates, managers, supervisors and guests. Listen carefully to opinions and views of others; state understanding of what has been heard.
• Initiative - Contribute new ideas and suggestions to enhance productivity and efficiency. Be proactive in troubleshooting problems or issues and take action to mitigate potential problems.
• Adaptability & Planning - Possess the ability to learn new tasks and adjusts well to new situations. Perform well under tight time schedules and pressures to change direction quickly.
• Service Orientation - Demonstrates a sense of urgency. Is welcoming, friendly and smiles when visible to guests.

Position Salary & Benefits:

• This is considered a part‑time, hourly role.
• The schedule for this position may range depending on business needs but will often consist of either a morning shift covering breakfast operations or a later shift covering dinner service.
• Benefits include daily meals per shift.
• Opportunity for advancement. Proof of the Pudding is consistently seeking to amplify talented team member’s roles.
• On-the-job training that can be applied industry wide.

Proof of the Pudding and its affiliates are an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to inclusion and employing a diverse workforce. All applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected characteristics.